Garbage trucks provide a critically important function in society. Although they operate every day without causing accidents, there are unfortunate situations where a garbage truck accident can lead to devastating injuries or even death.
If you were hurt in a garbage truck accident, you do not need to pursue the compensation you deserve alone. The legal process can be daunting and difficult to manage if you are coping with severe injuries. Furthermore, not everyone plays by the rules when it comes to resolving an accident. For example, an insurance company may try to avoid paying you benefits, which can leave you and your family in a bad financial situation.
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we offer a free consultation so that you can learn how a Metairie garbage truck accident lawyer can help you. This phone call is a great opportunity to get more information about how the legal process works. Do not wait. Contact our office now at
Garbage Trucks Can Be Incredibly Dangerous
Due to the massive size and weight of garbage trucks or other refuse collection vehicles, the accidents that they cause are often devastating for the victim.
Here are some of the common reasons how garbage trucks cause accidents:
- Frequent stops: making frequent stops to pick up garbage can be difficult for the garbage truck to flow through traffic safely or avoid collisions. Frequent stops can also create extra wear and tear on the vehicle, especially its brakes.
- Running behind schedule: a garbage truck driver has a specific schedule to which they must adhere. If the driver is running behind, they may try to speed or cut other corners.
- Dangerous routes: routes involving schools, busy intersections, or other areas where there is a heightened rate of traffic and pedestrians could lead to a greater likelihood of an accident. Drivers must take into account the nature and business of their routes and adjust their driving accordingly.
- Improper vehicle maintenance: if a garbage truck is not maintained properly, it could fail at the wrong time and cause a serious accident. Poorly maintained brakes and broken brake lights or turn signals are a few examples of improper maintenance that can have catastrophic consequences for the victim.
- Driver negligence: garbage truck operators drive for a living, but they are still prone to carelessness like any other driver. If they get distracted behind the wheel, ignore traffic laws, or engage in other negligent behaviors, then a severe and painful accident can happen.
- Severe weather: garbage trucks often operate regardless of the weather, including severe rain, wind, and flooding. A driver must receive proper training on how to navigate inclement weather safely and avoid causing an accident.
There may be some other factors at play in your accident that are not included in this list. You can discuss your situation with a Metairie garbage truck accident lawyer to determine if one or more of these conditions caused the accident. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at
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Important Steps to Take After a Garbage Truck Accident
There are a few important steps you can take after a garbage truck accident:
- Seek medical attention: if you have not already done so, it is important to seek medical attention to make sure that any injuries you suffered as a result of the accident are treated. Even in a minor accident, you can walk away with painful injuries that could have a long-term impact on your health if not treated right away. Seeking medical attention also helps create a record of your injuries and treatment that could help you recover compensation in any claim against the parties responsible for the accident.
- Report the accident: although some people may not want to wait for law enforcement to arrive at the scene of an accident, an official report can help you identify who is at fault. The report may list traffic violations, like failing to yield the right-of-way, intoxicated driving, or faulty brakes. It can also list the identity of the parties involved in the accident. Drivers are required to report an accident if there is an injury, fatality, or property damage of more than $500, according to Louisiana Revised Statutes (RS) §32:398.
- Make a list of witnesses: make a list of any witnesses that saw or heard the accident. If possible, get their contact information. You should also record the name and contact information of any first responders who reported to the scene of the accident.
- Photographs: if you have the physical capability, take photographs of the scene of the accident, the vehicles involved, and your injuries. If your injuries are severe and you were transported to a medical facility, then ask a loved one or friend to take photographs for you.
- Notify your auto insurance company: it is important to notify your insurance company that you have been involved in an accident, but wait to provide an official statement until you have consulted an attorney.
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Hold Someone Responsible for Your Injuries and Damages
One of the most unique aspects of a garbage truck accident case is determining who is at fault for your injuries. Because of the business relationship between garbage truck companies, drivers, and local governments, there could be multiple parties who owe you damages after an accident.
This situation can also make the case more complex because each of the defendants may try to pass the blame onto one of the other parties. If you are bringing a claim against a public entity like a city or county, you may need to comply with special rules that govern whether a public entity can be held liable for negligence.
There is no need to take this on by yourself. Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation to learn how a Metairie garbage truck accident lawyer can assist you. Call us at
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24 hours a day • 7 days a week
